Angel's career statistics

The 28-year-old scored 23 goals last season and the club were keen to tie him to a new deal when he returned for pre-season training this week.

"This is great news for everyone at Villa Park," chairman Doug Ellis told the club website.

"He's an important player and we're delighted to have agreed a new deal."

Angel was delighted to have his future sorted out.

"This is a very special day for me," he told the club's website. "I'm very happy about it and I'm really looking forward to the next four years of my career here.

Last year we didn't start properly and I think that's what cost us the possibility of getting into Europe Juan Pablo Angel

"It's a relief to agree the deal. Now I can just concentrate on work and I don't have to talk about a move to somewhere else.

"Now I've got a lot of things to do here. There's plenty more to come from me hopefully and I'm just looking forward to getting myself as fit as I can and starting the season on a high.

"We need to get it right from the beginning, because last year we didn't start properly and I think that's what cost us the possibility of getting into Europe."

Angel joined Villa from Argentine side River Plate for �9.5m in January 2001 but struggled to live up to his price tag until the arrival of new manager David O'Leary last season.

Under the stewardship of the former Leeds boss, Angel's goals inspired Villa to finish sixth in the Premiership, only missing out on a Uefa Cup place on goal difference.

Darius Vassell, Gareth Barry and Olof Mellberg have also pledged their future to the club by signing deals.